South Korean media: [Editorial] The transfer of wartime command authority should focus more on substance rather than pursuing name and speed

Summary: Autonomous defense is necessary, but it needs to be examined whether the conditions are met; reduce political factors in decision-making, ensuring joint defense without any flaws

Yesterday, the South Korean and U.S. defense ministers held the Security Consultative Meeting (SCM) for the first time since President Yoon Suk-yeol took office. They discussed the alliance's transfer of wartime command authority. Advancing the transfer of wartime command authority is a result of the Trump administration's basic policy to strengthen the alliance's military capabilities and allow South Korea to take responsibility for its own security, as well as the current government's will to complete the transfer of wartime command authority within its term based on the consideration of autonomous defense. In his address to the National Assembly, President Yoon stated that South Korea's defense budget is 1.4 times that of North Korea's GDP, and its military strength ranks fifth globally, emphasizing that "it is a matter of national pride for the Republic of Korea to rely on external forces for defense."

The conditions for transferring wartime command authority have indeed improved compared to the past. Next year's defense budget (proposal) has been significantly increased to 66.3 trillion won, an 8.2% increase from this year; recently, South Korea's "5th reconnaissance satellite" successfully entered space orbit, and the South Korean military's surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities over the entire Korean Peninsula have been further enhanced. The recent meeting between the South Korean and U.S. leaders also saw President Trump approve the introduction of nuclear-powered submarines by the South Korean military, which is encouraging. U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth also stated, "President Trump hopes the alliance's capabilities can be enhanced," and "the military authorities will certainly do their utmost to actively support it."

However, despite the favorable conditions, the public's concerns about security arising from the transfer of wartime command authority have not been completely eliminated. After the current government came into power, in order to create a cooperative atmosphere with North Korea, major South Korean-U.S. joint exercises were continuously postponed or reduced, while joint exercises are an essential element for the conditional transfer of wartime command authority agreed upon by South Korea and the United States in 2018. South Korea and the United States plan to establish a "Future Combined Forces Command" after the transfer of wartime command authority, with a four-star general of the South Korean military serving as the commander. However, to ensure stable and effective command, more training must be conducted than usual, which is common sense.

South Korea and the United States must conduct a comprehensive three-stage assessment of whether the South Korean military meets the necessary conditions for the transfer of wartime command authority, and the process has now entered the second stage. However, according to a South Korean military official, many evaluation items are only at the qualitative level, leaving considerable room for political factors to intervene in the judgment. Some people even worry that both sides may "quickly complete the transfer of wartime command authority" for political reasons, thereby undermining the joint defense posture. South Korean-U.S. Joint Commander Xavier Bronson once said in August last year, "If we choose shortcuts to quickly transfer the wartime command authority, it could endanger the readiness of the Korean Peninsula," and "the transfer of wartime command authority should be realized at some point in the future when the conditions are met." Additionally, South Korea faces an urgent need to develop corresponding measures as the number of active-duty personnel is about to exceed the 500,000 limit due to the declining birth rate.

Autonomous defense cannot be achieved through mere names; it should calmly examine whether the current situation meets the conditions for the transfer of wartime command authority and provide citizens with tangible security guarantees. Safety directly relates to the lives of citizens.

Source: JoongAng Daily

Original article: www.toutiao.com/article/1847940786058304/

Statement: This article represents the views of the author.